5th of June 2014
This design project by Anand Prakash involved 175 different newspaper brands that were sent by over 100 participants in 40 languages from across the world. All newspapers were dated 5th of June 2013
The range of products that we created from these newspapers were released on 5th of June 2014 #5thofJuneProject #worldenvironmentday
Below is the complete chronology of events/posts that led to our releasing of the 5th of June project on Facebook, right from inception of the idea on 3rd June 2013 till the release on 5th of June 2014
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Posted on our Facebook page, 6 June 2014
10 years ago Chetna Verma bought some cards that I was making and selling from Sab Mall in Noida, she never could part with them and yesterday she sent me pictures.
Today she surprisingly dropped into our studio looking for the 5th of June products, even though we are running low on stocks, we could not refuse, She has been our fan for the last 10 years and she deserves them
Thank you Chetna.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 23:12
Before this day ends, please remember that 5th of June stands for world environment day, this project was undertaken to inspire you to reduce, recycle and reuse, while I try my best to work as much as possible with environmentally responsible and sustainable material, I hope I have inspired you to inculcate these habits in your daily routine.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 21:38
As the day comes to a close, I present to you two pieces that epitomize my journey since the year 1999. I started with one bookmark in the year 1999 when I was still in college and this was a hobby.
Ladies and gentlemen I have turned my hobby into my profession and I hope I am able to create more beautiful pieces of art in the days to come.
Stay inspired and Thank You for being a part of this great journey.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 21:31
Coasters in color.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 20:50
A pendant developed with ideas from my design team. Strips and strips and strips of newspaper.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 19:10
Newspaper to me was always black and white therefore I present to you my favorite newspaper pendants in b & w.
If you look carefully at the pendant with the languages, you will see different newspapers placed strategically in strips.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 16:20
I have shared much with you but this Tray and Coaster set stands out because if you look carefully, the background has small 5th of June date cutouts from multiple papers and made into a collage.
Presenting another tray and set of coasters. One of the pictures will show you the pieces that we placed together to create this collage.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 17:28
Today, I know I have kept you busy and most of you have not been working, please bear with me for a little longer…
New addition to the 5th of June products, slip boxes with recycled handmade paper.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 16:38
Moving on from stationery, a paper weight that has a removable cover, you can actually put anything in them.
What would you put in them? a picture? a memorable doodle? answer this and you may just be the lucky person to receive a gift from our 5th of June project.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 16:20
All the colored pencil fans here are a few with the language danglers.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 15:59
How many of you are on Facebook since morning waiting for more from us?
Hit like if you agree.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 15:56
Here is a great idea for everyone following our 5th of June project:
You could recycle your newspaper today to make something creative and useful! and don’t forget to keep the first page with the newspaper’s name and date.
Later, we would love to share a few pictures of what you made!
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 15:43
While the story of this project will go on, here is more of black & white with a little red thrown in. As much as we relish the colored ones, you cannot write of these black & white beauties.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 15:31
The 5th of June project would be incomplete without the following hand printed books:
1. The Story – we have printed a special booklet that is going with all the larger products, you get to keep a part of history with you so that you know how this project came about.
2. The Participants (Their Thoughts & Ideas) – a booklet on the reason why they participated and their thoughts about it. Initially we wanted to include thoughts of only a few but we had so many people writing back that I felt this needed to be in a booklet form with everyone’s thoughts. We did not edit their answers or their smileys!
So friends here are the two booklets for posterity, I promise you this will not happen again therefore you must treasure it.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 14:36
You have seen the stationery and paper products that I have designed in the past, I needed to explore more therefore I have been releasing designs for the home, in continuation I present Trays and Coasters; something we all need!
Polished recycled wood, newspapers and metal.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 13:51
Have I been able to inspire you to comment on our posts today? if not then I need to work harder, wait for more…
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 13:44
Oh! I forgot to mention that we added a little more detail to the pencils, we actually matched the language on the pencil with a metal piece…
I particularly love the packaging, if you see carefully on the back, I mean the print.
(download catalogue of 5th of June products)
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 13:02
Black and white of the newspapers were my inspiration when it all began but then somewhere down the journey I fell in love with colours and I had to bring you these sets of 12 in a recycled wood box.
My question is: Will you use them?
(download catalogue of 5th of June products)
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 12:18
I have grown in these 15 years only through word of mouth. You are my brand ambassador and you will take me to many more people across the globe.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 11:57
We actually did much more than just journals and pencils.
Did you expect jewelry?
Newspapers that would have been trashed will now be adorning us. The scripts are the actual beauty of newspapers, enjoy each language.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 10:43
Daniel Phuntsog summarised it so well:
Great work… These products showing the world in action and words a few thoughtful actions can go a long way.. Newspapers came from diverse languages and backgrounds but due to the right and positive actions of great souls they were united and made into beautiful products… Same for us and the environment…. Do you want the world and ourselves to end up like a crumpled newspaper in a trash can / dustbin or be transformed into a beautiful world… Like these beautiful works of art /useful stationery… The choice is Ours collectively as Human Beings and individually as citizens of the Biosphere called The Earth… We save it or let it go… which way you want to go…. don’t tell anyone but let your actions speak as ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS….
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 10:11
Our 5th of June logo:
We called it the 5th of June project because the date was the most significant thing, everything revolved around it, all our newspapers had that date, world environment day was on 5th. The logo was finalised in May this year.
Each of the larger products have this logo on newspaper. The process that went into preparing these took longer than a few products but I thought it was the most significant part of our story. When you carefully see the printed version of the logo you will be able to see the underlying newspaper within it.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 09:45
Good Morning! to get back to colour, here is a set of six softbound journals available individually and in a recycled wood case. Six journals, six languages, six colours, 100 % recycled wood-free paper.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 01:02
With all the colour around, I did not forget the actual black and white newspapers that I initially began with, these were more difficult because newspapers nowadays are all coloured and we had to desperately look for black and white portions, we have not wasted an inch, we have all the cuttings.
There is something about these black & white newspapers, this is what strikes you when you think of newspapers, the coloured portions looked so artificial and did not inspire us much…..so ladies and gentlemen the original idea that I began with, our coveted set of 12 pencils in 12 languages. This truly is a masterpiece which I too wanted to have.
What do you think?
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 00:25
Red, gold and recycled paper…..our design team went through each newspaper, selecting the area that would go on each book, co-coordinating it with the prints in its language, our fabrication team put these newspapers through many processes to reach this outcome.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 00:15
My design team researched languages, countries, newspapers….it was a learning experience like no other.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 00:08
Red is what got us going and we loved it……
What Do you think?
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Posted on our Facebook page, 5 June 2014, 00:01
I gave you two days, and 100 of you gave me 175 different brands of newspapers in more than 40 languages from across the world. Even if it was one newspaper that you sent, it meant a lot to us.
You gave me 365 days to give you something back, and I have tried my best, I left no stone unturned, I went through a gruelling month of work, put my team through a lot of pressure, here is our labor of love, creativity and passion….The 5th of June Project.
This I dedicate to my wife Sumita, without whose support none of this would have been possible.
I will across the day share a variety of things that we have created.
#worldenvironmentday #recycle #newspapers #5thofjuneproject
Color is something that we never associate with newspapers, We therefore thought of adding some color to your newspapers…
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Posted on our Facebook page, 4 June 2014
You cannot imagine how difficult its been controlling myself from revealing/sharing it with you..I have had to share all sorts of images that would not reveal what we have done…
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Posted on our Facebook page, 4 June 2014
For whats coming tomorrow, I only have two words, Limited Edition!
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Posted on our Facebook page, 4 June 2014
5th of June Project: Most of the gifts have been dispatched for addresses in India, International packages will follow in the coming days.
We will be posting the range of products on our page and website tomorrow. Our commitment was first towards are contributors because without them this would not have been possible.
Thank you and I hope you enjoy them.
#worldenvironmentday #recycle #newspapers
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Posted on our Facebook page, 4 June 2014
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Posted on our Facebook page, 4 June 2014
5th of June project: A partition screen in my office for posterity. The front page of some of the interesting newspapers we got. This wooden screen features 85 first page titles of the 175 newspapers we received. These came from across the globe and all were dated 5th of June.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 3 June 2014
Boxes being readied for dispatch.
5th of June Project.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 3 June 2014
As we get the package of products ready for our contributors, it occurred to us that since this was about recycling, we must show everyone the cotton rags that go into recycling our wood-free handmade paper.
So in one day we managed to get cotton rags from over 500 kms away to be presented in a transparent banana fiber paper envelope.
Today after cultivating relationships with suppliers and partners for over 15 years, it never looked impossible to either me or my partners.
That’s the joy of working here.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 3 June 2014
It always begins with an idea and then the work starts. You build up on this idea and while this is happening, many new thoughts join in to ultimately create a work of art. After the initial idea, its time to take a call on the process and development that we will follow, we need to understand if this is feasible during the manufacturing and fabrication process. We need to visualise the complete product till its in the hand of the consumer. Many complications arise during the process and we need to improvise, sometimes we need to sacrifice important parts of the idea so that they stay feasible for the latter processes.
Every one can design a great piece and do a sample but the challenge lies in manufacturing or fabricating it in numbers. That’s where are speciality lies, we have honed our skills during the last 15 years to do exactly this. We churn out thousands of pieces with the same consistency and quality, its comes with experience. All our units are set, we have craftsmen and suppliers who have been with us for a decade now.
The countdown for the 5th of June has begun, its time we shared a little of our story that went into this project. To start with here is a picture of the room we created with newspapers. This was just to get my team excited to do something creative with the 5th of June newspapers. The newspapers have been attached in such a way that they can be removed without any damage. We will eventually be using them in our products once our existing stock of the 5th of June papers has been exhausted. I call that recycling for a purpose.
#worldenvironmentday #recycle #newspapers #handmadepaper
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Posted on our Facebook page, 1 June 2014
5th of June project: We have used recycled wood bought from scrap yards for products, packaging and boxes. We are sending you an original piece from the scrapyard so that you can see the transformation when they pass through the hands of craftsmen at Anand Prakash #worldenvironmentday#recycle
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Posted on our Facebook page, 31 May 2014
5th of June Project: I finally located the last person on our list of contributors, her name could not be printed on the booklet since it already is in print.
But then we can always write it by hand it might just add that personal touch to all the booklets.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 30 May 2014
We did not want to make products with newspapers just like everyone else is doing…
For the last few days our team of designers have been selecting the part of the newspaper which we think will look good on the products, and over 15 craftsmen have been cutting them, our stock is depleting therefore let me remind you that this will be a limited edition.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 30 May 2014
5th of June project update
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Posted on our Facebook page, 30 May 2014
Final touches to our 5th of June project. Another 5 days to go.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 29 May 2014
This is how you sent us your newspapers for the 5th of June project. The immaculately gift wrapped one, complete with a handwritten note card came from Gauri Dewan; Now its our turn to give back your newspapers in a DIFFERENT avatar.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 27 May 2014
5th of June Project: A set of gifts for all teachers at Wynberg Allen School.
My love for nature and knack for art and craft was only possible because of my 12 years of education here. Nestled between hills with a stream running below; this was the perfect place to grow-up amongst devoted teachers and staff. I am self-taught and have no formal training in art, craft or design, I only use skills developed in school in a more refined form. Thank you WAS for making me what I am. #wynbergallen #worldenvironmentday
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Posted on our Facebook page, 26 May 2014
175 different brands of newspapers
40 languages
100 contributors
10 days remaining for 05.06.14
#worldenvironmentday #recycle #handmadepaper #newspaper
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Posted on our Facebook page, 26 May 2014
It is midnight and I just began writing "The Story" of the 5th of June project, This small story booklet will accompany all the products that we design in this range. The story is more powerful than the product or the design.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 25 May 2014
Divya Rai sent us newspapers and used the word "crowd-sourced", I think it has great relevance in the 5th of June project because otherwise this would not have been possible.
We asked her the following question:
1. What made you participate in the 5th of June newspaper idea?
Ans: I participated in the 5th June project because I wanted to be a part of the magical process called product development, more so because the product was going to be a part of the label ‘Anand Prakash’. The label, in my opinion, equals, quite perfection and simple sophistication. I think this crowd-sourced product development must be one of its kind in the entire country. Indian designers rarely do anything like this. Beautiful concept and I am proud to be a part of it.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 25 May 2014
We have spent hours/days/months in carefully selecting the best part of the hundreds of newspapers that we received; each piece is a labour of love, belief, dedication and hard work.
Beautiful products out of newspaper don’t just happen, it takes time, dedication, effort and patience to bring you innovative and creative products and this has been our hallmark.
My team of designers, craftsmen and numerous other people are only breathing newspapers!
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Posted on our Facebook page, 24 May 2014
Handmade Paper: raw, earthy, eco-friendly, beautiful… hit like if you agree. This design project by Anand Prakash involved 150 different newspaper brands that were sent by over 100 participants in 40 languages from across the world. All newspapers were dated 5th of June 2013
The range of products that we created from these newspapers will be released on 5 June 2014 #5thofJuneProject #worldenvironmentday
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Posted on our Facebook page, 23 May 2014
My journey with re-cycling started in the year 1999, let me share with you my thoughts on recycling paper; this I had written in 2010. While I work on#5thofjuneproject and #worldenvironmentday it has become more relevant.
http://anandprakash.com/2010/04/17/recycling-since-the-year-2000/
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Posted on our Facebook page, 23 May 2014
We started with making our own recycled paper with your newspapers, we added some cotton rags and jute fiber to give the paper its strength. Releasing the complete range on 5th of June 2014
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Posted on our Facebook page, 22 May 2014
For 5th of June project, We received Newspapers from here.
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Posted on our Facebook page, 21 May 2014
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The Story of 5th of June Project
(This has been made into a booklet which goes with the larger products)
Part 1 – The Idea behind 5th of June
On Monday, the 3rd of June, 2013, I thought of doing a collaborative project involving people from all across the world, where I could get them to send me something that could lead to a collective effort towards a common goal.
The idea that struck me instantly was newspapers, I had worked with some vintage editions dating back to the 70’s; these I bought as scrap and then went on to design products with them. Somewhere in my mind, I knew that newspapers were the answers to my crowd-sourcing project. I knew it involved re-cycling which incidentally has been my forte since 1999; the year when I bought my first sheet of handmade paper. 
I have always believed in nature and most of my work espouses it. I have consciously worked with recycled and eco-friendly materials from the last 15 years and this would be a befitting tribute.
I dreamt of creating something on a grand scale with global participation. While I was pondering over these thoughts, it struck me that if people could send me newspapers of a certain date from across the world, It could be a great story which would mean that people worked on this idea by saving their newspapers and then sending it over to me.
The idea now looked possible and it got me excited, the only thing missing was the date. While closing in on the finer details, I thought the best date for this project would be something to do with the environment; I did a Google search for world environment day and voila it was 5th of June. I thought over the possibility of organizing it in two days as it was already 3rd of June. I was afraid of not being able to create that buzz but impossible is not a word in my limited vocabulary therefore I then assured myself that this was a challenge I needed to accept.
Calling for newspapers:
3rd of June 2013, it was an hour past midnight. I switch on my laptop with a surge of excitement; I frame a small email and fervently start sending them to people on my list; friends, family, acquaintances, clients, vendors; to everyone that could be a part of it. I went to bed thinking of the strategy to adapt the next day as it was the penultimate day before this project became a dud; the fear of failure was always at the back of my mind.
4th of June 2013, I was worried about where the newspapers would come from. I opened my phone book and started with the trusted lot; my family, friends and business partners; I knew I had some assurances and some newspapers to show. I then frantically started calling any and every one, some were startled to hear my voice after ages; some found it strange of me asking for their newspaper, a few promised that they would try.
My Facebook page was the best bet and I posted the project there, the idea got everyone excited as all the people there love my work. Many wanted to be a part of it therefore started inquiring. Fans on my page took on the mantle of seeing this project through, 5th of June being world environment day struck a chord and they started confirming their participation. A few started networking amongst themselves looking for other participants, some from the same city talked of sending a combined package, some asked if they could be picked-up.
By evening I was looking for that assuring email, a glimmer of hope, as it was all looking gloomy. I had done my job and it was now time to see if this worked. The wait for confirmations was tense as I desperately needed participation.
5th of June 2013, It was time for confirmations; Kalpi a small town in Uttar Pradesh where some of our handmade papers come from, said yes it was done. Some in my family too confirmed their haul of newspapers. The day came to a close, I did not know what I had but yes I had a firm belief that I have succeeded. I am a die-hard optimist and I never give-up.
As the year passed by and all the papers trickled in to our studio, it started with a heap and became a mountain. Every new day brought in papers and more papers, we started looking for additional cupboards to store them. Our design team started sorting and cataloging the newspapers, with names of contributors, addresses, languages, names of newspapers, etc. I was sure, I wanted the names of all participants so that I could send them the end product that I hoped to release on 5th of June 2014
Part 2 – The Participants
When I look back at the people who contributed, it is such an amalgamation that I never dreamt would be possible. People from all walks of life and from across the world came together to make this a success. Some went out buying newspapers; some requested their friends while some tried other sources. There was a huge collective effort in bringing these to us. Newspapers traveled across the world to reach us, some went back and forth due to the wrong addresses while some were hand delivered.
The one thing that stood out was the participation, people took the effort to source it for us and then shipped it to us at their own cost.
I did not know most of the people who sent us the newspapers. The primary reason for everyone’s participation was their contribution towards an idea that was environmentally responsible and sustainable; everyone wanted to do their bit for nature.
I must add that the majority of the papers did not come from the people who I most expected but from people who I least expected. I appreciate the commitment and thoughtfulness of all our participants because there were many people who even after collecting the 5th of June newspapers never got themselves to sending them to us, it’s sad but I salute their belief in my project.
There were many instances where newspapers came to us by courier but without any names, these were our silent contributors for whom the purpose was more important than the recognition. There were also many contributors who did not understand why I was asking for the newspaper dated 5th of June from them, but they did their part because they believed in me. Today the range that we have developed with this idea stands testimony to their belief. There were countless people who helped our contributor’s source and deliver these newspapers to us, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you as without you this project would never have been possible.
This passion that I saw in my contributors was something I was not prepared for, they inspired me to do something with their newspapers, a range that would be creative as well as environmentally responsible, their contribution is the actual story and they are the superstars.
Your participation was the only reason for the success of our 5th of June project. I would like to thank you and your friends who helped in making this a success. You are the superstars, every newspaper you sent was an inspiration to live up to your expectations and give you something that you would be proud to have been a part of.
First we thought of including a selected few comments but when we saw how important each of your words were, we decided to print a complete booklet dedicated only for your thoughts and comments.
We asked participants the following question:
1. What made you participate in the 5th of June newspaper project?
A few answers: (Your words were beautiful hence we have not edited most of them)
Shikha Lamba
Being a big fan of your work and products I wanted to be a part of the project because I wanted to contribute my 2 cents to your creative process. I love the idea of creating re-cycled products with an important global theme, where people from all over have contributed and have been a part of the process. I find the idea very creative like all your other ideas. I most appreciate you getting a whole community (spread all over the world) involved in your project.
Milou Ket
Me and my family (also in Africa) know Anand and his family personally, we feel strongly for Anand and we want to support his ideas as we think they are important. He is enthusiastic, idealistic, creative and playful. And his work is beautiful! Very sympathetic, an important cause to pay attention to.
Divya Rai
I participated in the 5th June project because I wanted to be a part of the magical process called product development, more so because the product was going to be a part of the label ‘Anand Prakash’. The label, in my opinion, equals, quite perfection and simple sophistication. I think this crowd-sourced product development must be one of its kind in the entire country. Indian designers rarely do anything like this. Beautiful concept and I am proud to be a part of it.
Yesim Insel
One day, a friend of mine brought me a beautiful book separator from India as a souvenir. It was a gold metal tree with lots of leaves on it. I looked at this precious piece for a while, then, as much as I love books, I decided to use it not as a book separator, but as a gorgeous necklace. So, when I heard about his environment day project, I wanted to be a tiny part of it – like, this book separator turned into a necklace is now a part of me. It is a tremendous idea that would bring all different languages that are spoken in the world. I only wish all those newspapers were writing happy and graceful thoughts instead of weapons, corruption, pollution, economy. But, who knows, maybe one day… with another Anand project…
Michaela Cantoreanu
I really enjoy and like your products and I am impressed by your creativity. You got my attention the first time when I was at the Delhi Airport and bought a lot of bookmarks. That was 2010 I think. I am really sad about not finding your products in Europe. Making me participate at this project was the idea to support you and the big interest what will arise of this idea.
Aarti Krishnakumar
Since am a big fan of your products, I was curious to know what you had planned with the newspapers and so decided to be a part of it. It is quite exciting, a lovely concept that involves people from across the world and am looking fwd to seeing the final product.
Renu Bhagwat
I am an architect and Urban Planner from CEPT University. Right from my post graduation days we used to celebrate 5th June ‘World Environment Day’ in some way or other like awareness campaigns, discussions, seminars, workshops etc. Participating in 5th of June newspaper idea is like celebrating World Environment Day in very unique way. And that celebration can be with us not only on 5th June but for a long long period till we have the beautifully designed product with us or with whom we have gifted it to. The idea of using 5th June World Environment day newpaper to make recycled products in Scriptum range by Mr. Anand Prakash is very innovative and unique. This product range will keep reminding us about our environment and keep our concerns about environment always fresh.
Lorraine Delaney
Loved the idea of requesting the support of international communities on World Environment Day, to supply an everyday item so currently commonplace in our society as a newspaper, but one which is rapidly changing due to the use of technology. Just what I would expect from a motivated and inspired company
Rachael Blair
I have been a long time fan of Anand and his hand made paper designs. I love his work and share it with many of the Kindness in Action donors. We appreciate his attention to detail and his ability to mix different mediums. Environment Day – Paper from all over the world – Universal Energy – Universal Acknowledgment of Mother Earth. Think of the impact and on so many different levels.
Shweta Shahani
A different and inspiring idea to collect newspapers of various languages and make something new and different out of it, Never heard or done before. Also all your products are very innovative and different hence thought this is the best way to be a part of something new which you will definitely come out with!
Peônia Pereira
I wanted to participate because of some reasons: I went to India in 2012, when I met your work, And I really love both – your country and the things you make – so helping was a way to be closer of these two things I love and which now I am physically far; I am a biologist, frequently involved with things related to nature and to the environment, so 5th of June is a special day for me. I thought the idea was fantastic because now we live in a globalized world that we can easily see/access/meet virtual things/places/persons that are very distant, but when we think about doing the same thing physically is very different and difficult. So, an action that can make this physical contact of different parts of the world possible, although in just a little way, it’s very interesting.
Mamta Sharma
I am aware of your work and how good you are at it, I think helping you out with your project was the least I could do personally. You hadn’t asked for much anyway. And, most importantly, rarely do I find people who have a vision for themselves leave alone for other things/ people or cause. I am glad you are one of those rare people. I am myself not capable of having that strong a vision for anything. After acknowledging this, the least I can do is support someone whose vision I can relate to. I feel for the environment. And I do the little bit I can in my everyday routine… things like using ceramic mug instead of the disposable cups for tea/coffee at work, recycling the blank side of printed papers, minimize use of plastic carry bags, not wasting water… things that can be easily done and do not require much effort. You have the ability to transform things and make them beautiful and purposeful. It was hard to resist joining you in this project—an unusually simple idea—that led to the making for something more beautiful. Most importantly I do not doubt you with your dedication and sincerity even though I am unaware of the details of your plan. I think I can trust your idea and your efforts. Brilliant idea! The massive response you have generated across the globe explains how people share your dream at some levels and are more than willing to help you in their own capacity
Ajeet Sanwalia
Being a Biologist I really liked the idea of using newspaper to recycle or create something which would save trees. I think maximum use of paper is for printing the newspaper all over the world in so many different languages. Everyday a huge amount of paper has to be produced from pulp which comes from the trees. Life on earth is sustained only because of plants therefore “No plants no life”. We are destroying our beautiful planet by cutting down trees which is increasing the greenhouse effect leading to global warming. It is our prime duty to create awareness among people of all nations to prevent the major harms caused for our future generations.
Imagine if we recycle one day’s newspapers of the entire world to print the next day’s newspaper…how many trees can be saved?
Arti Vora
Its just that when I came to know that you are up to some project! that too the thought it self to collect news paper from all over the world is just soo amazing! and that made me to do just a tiny little participation in it As I mentioned its just amazing! I can still remember we had a conversation about using paper like, old account books, cheques and things like would be fun to work on! And 5th June Idea is just very unique, each and every participator will feel happy to be part of one great project! Its just awesome as world with different languages will connect to only one outcome and that is the art work which you will bring to us!, and you are the one, with open heart, who made world to gather to be part of the recycled products that you have created! so congratulations! Cant wait to see the work of the news papers!!
Tanvi Tolani
What better an opportunity could i have asked for, to contribute on the World environment day at its Creative best. Glad to have been a part of it. The world is full of ordinary things..When used in an extra ordinary manner,creates Master Pieces
Renata Dobrik
I was instantly amazed by the originality of Anand’s product selection. They are all one of a kind and one would cherish them forever, I know I will. Also, Anand’s professional and friendly customer service was unparalleled. It’s fantastic and it shows an artistic and innovative spirit of the team.
Fatima Fernandes
I participated for two reasons… A. I love your products and your idea behind it…I connect with your creativity. B. The project gave a sense of community living… Where we worked cohesively with like minded people.
Sumita Prakash
I was quite impressed with the vision of the designer, it was an idea beyond the imagination of a normal human being, the idea to give each individual an opportunity to participate in a project globally; 5th June celebrated as the World Environment Day around the globe. By participating in this Newspaper project, I wanted to do something positive for the environment in some way or the other. And I am fortunate enough to get such a wonderful opportunity by contributing a little bit to this exceptional project by Mr. Anand Prakash on their World Environment Day 2014…All the best for the Big launch !!
Sheela Mehta
Just the idea itself was so thrilling and sounded so exciting coz volunteering is so much fun…. and it was so easy and simple to be a part of something big!! I have always been fascinated by handmade paper (I like all your stationery specially the pencils and entire scriptum range), and this was one of the rarest ways I could participate for a project on handmade paper by simultaneously contributing my little bit towards the world environment. Last but not the least… was the joy of going to receive a surprise gift that too something from a great artist which would be handmade… any gift no matter how small always gives joy to the receiver and the giver and handmade gifts are like so priceless. m wishin that u open your workshop in Mumbai too so we can get a chance to visit your wonderful museum of creationz and get to see what all goes into the making of the masterpieces!! m hoping that more and more projects will come up at ‘Anand Prakash’ where all the fans can get involved.
This was an extraordinarily out-of-the-box & fantastic idea and a simple yet very different type of idea which will have a very great impact specially on all the fans I’m sure, and the environment… and I’m waiting for the project to unfold it’s mystery!! By sending just a few newspapers (something which almost everybody puts away and piles up for scrap after reading) it feels great be a part of an unusually exciting project, about which m really very anxious to see it roll out. It’s a privilege to be a part of this project by ‘Anand Prakash’ – this idea was superbly great!!!
Babu Bangaru
It was easy to participate by just posting you a newspaper And having recently moved to China, where modern and traditional co-exist side by side and the "eocnomic miracle" lifted millions out of poverty, newspaper and world environment day commemoration made sense to highlight the perils of "growth at any cost" and its impact on common good such as environment, water and air quality. Ironically, it seems one basic need (poverty) was traded for another (pollution). Hopefully the damage can be reversed or corrected to enhance the quality of life for all. Great and unique idea. Especially in this age of e-information and environmental awareness, I see the humble newspaper as an icon of green consciousness
Amrin Sachdev
Firstly wanted to help a friend and also be part of your next masterpiece. Now I know that 5th of June is World Environment day, which I didn’t before. It creates awareness on reuse, reduce and recycle.
Noor Afshan Uraizee
When I saw your request of news paper to be sent i checked your page and i just fell in love with your work and wanted to participate in something so creative plus i have a deep association with India as my paternal family is there so it was like sending a news paper to a neighbour
Varshitha Ravindrakumar
I am very much aware of the environmental degradation we are causing. It never misses to strike me when I hear a bird chirping or a tree full of blooms. When I came across your project I thought I could extend my support this way in conserving the environment. I felt satisfied and happy in participating. Your idea and the suspense about the final product was an absolute trigger!! People all over the world do various things to create awareness about conservation of our environment, but yours was something new, different, creative, environment-friendly and of course pulling!!
Shruti Papaiya
The idea of something new n creative pulled me into this and plus ur totally adorable work and dat too with an idea of recycling. I myself am a lecturer of environmental science in a college and hence ur idea of recycling is really the need of the hour. presently not only India but the world is facing a threat due to global warming and pollution so recycling is the best thing to do. through ur products many people will understand the importance of recycling. so its one of the best idea.
Vimala Jayaram
As soon as I saw your post on Fb requesting for 5th June news paper, the first thing came in to my mind was World Environment Day. I think you are on some project associated with environment. I love nature and since this project is going be based on/associated with nature(assuming) thought of helping you also I am happy that I was in a situation to offer a small favour.
Mala Dhalani
I thought that it was very cool on World Environment day to gather one of the most important and at the same time most discarded resources (paper) and do something creative with it! I also liked the fact that it is a creative pursuit that had people from across the globe participate! Something that made me want to contribute to it too! I mean how can one of India’s oldest language not have a representation here!
Shruti Jain
It struck me as a simple yet brilliant idea to involve such a mass of people to contribute so effectively to our Earth in such a simple way……simply brilliant. Look forward to more such participation.
Shruti Bagaria
I participated in your project because I myself am a crafter who runs a small home run business and I do appreciate the designing process that goes into making exclusive and unique products. The idea is superb, its important for everyone to think out of the box and take that extra step for getting the desired outcome. you are extremely lucky as your well wishers helped you in transforming something which was in your mind to something which is tangible. I still adore the pipal leaf bookmark I purchased from your stall at Kala Ghoda fair a few years back, it sits pretty on my side table. I wish u all the luck in your future endeavours.
Anamika Rai
Your creativity made me to participate in your 5th of june newspaper idea. Well in my earlier mail also I mentioned that I am a lover of creative art & your work has given me inner happiness and a sense of satisfaction. I am happy to see that somewhere people like you are able enough in putting their ideas into action, doing something good, innovative and creative, solely on a different track. Otherwise every day we come up with more than thousands of ideas which go into our unconsciousness without giving them a second thought. Though your products are pretty expensive and un affordable to many, but your work is appreciable.
Secondly, I like the idea of doing something creative with the 5th June’s “Green News Papers” as those were representing the environment day. Though I don’t know what you’ll do with those news papers but It shows your concern towards environment and If I imagine I can see a “News Globe”, “News Saplings”, “News Bonsai” and so on, all made up of 5 JuneNews papers, small in sizes and telling you many interesting facts about Indian plants, trees, herb, spices, and so on. Kerala has a long history of that. Believe me it will make a remarkable effort in the entire journey of an Indian history promoting first time its traditional and cultural heritage in this manner in the global market.
Usha Hariharan
I was curious. I also thought it was a great idea, Making something out of old newspapers which are the largest waste generated by most households. And I love participating in any reuse / recycle project especially with the environment day as the theme. I enjoyed sourcing the newspapers from friends from other cities / countries
Suchita Naik
Firstly i am a gr8 fan of ur work. I was very sure that you have something really beautiful in ur mind. And this was the only opportunity to contribute and be a part of this project. I think your idea is unique like always. But off late I am facing a problem..ur products are so unique that I end up collecting them . Its an addiction to gift as well as collect.
Ashwini K.P.
Firstly it was great to be a part of this project. the very idea of doing something exceptional for environment day made me participate in this project. Mother nature has always been kind to mankind in every aspect and in order to show our gratitude and respect, our duty is to protect the environment. Nature gives us enormous things selflessly therefore the concept of having a project by using newspapers which we hardly consider is exceptional. Lastly the only thing which we human beings have to remember is that nature is always strong before us and we need to pay due respect to her.
Ritu Kakkar
I got involved in this project because I think it is very important to support the recycling and reuse of materials. Our environment has given so much to us and it is very alarming to see it suffering at our hands, which is why I think it’s great to see people making an active effort to be more eco-friendly and to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. This project is a very creative way to encourage people to be ‘greener’ and think twice before throwing something away.
Marianne A. SIMONIN
The project mentioned the environment, though I was not aware that 5th of June was environment day, but I liked the idea that people from different parts of the world could contribute to this noble cause. I liked the idea of helping an artist as I am also one myself, and I am also very curious of what you will do with the newspapers!
Syeda Lubna Hussain
It sounded like something very exciting, new & different. You approve that stock is not stock and nothing is useless in this world.
Nigel Imlay
Anandz Creations is what got me involved. The idea was entirely Anands. It’s a unique and brilliant idea. I haven’t heard of something like this being tried before.
Clemex Torres
I participated in this because it was something to do with nature, a nature friendly thing and I like recycled and best out of waste stuff. I think its a very good idea to get all the people from different places and areas to participate in this.
Nehal Malavia
I love your work. Being an artist myself I instantly connected to the project. Somewhere deep inside I felt like doing my bit. It’s an excellent idea for really couple of reasons. In this mad-mad world people from every nook and corner came together and the energy in the products must be so positive. I love even wrapping gifts in newspaper ….beautiful idea to signify 5th June.
Dr. Harsha Priolkar
When Anand Prakash sends out a request, you know it’s going to be ‘different’ and exciting! So it was that when I read his request to send in local language newspapers dated 5th June 2013, World Environment Day, I didn’t hesitate to comply! Sent my boy out for
extra copies of my local Konkani language newspaper and sent them off asap. I’m familiar with Anand’s work and have bought several products over the years to know that he is a dedicated artist and an excellent craftsman! His love and passion for his work comes through beautifully in his simple but extremely elegant designs. I knew he would be innovative in this project and that the execution would be spot on. Also, I love stationery and the Scriptum range is a favourite! I just had to be a part of this and so I was Cannot wait to see what he’s come up with this time! All I know is, it will be GOOD
Nikunj Patel
Environment is not for any group or NGO or Govt., but is a responsibility of every global citizen. 5th June is a special day and so I decided to support your innovative creation. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, but borrow it from our children. Your idea of this creation is unique. Most of your creations are fantastic and brilliantly designed and superbly executed.
Dipali Bhargava
I still remember the first time I lay my eyes on one of your products was when my boyfriend gifted me one of your beautiful bookmarks back in 2011, I guess. Reading is my passion and collecting bookmarks became as much of a passion and your bookmark was such a beautiful and valuable addition to it! Your passion for your work made my passion for reading and writing a much more beautiful experience! When you posted about your initiative for the environment day and called out for participants, I OBVIOUSLY wanted to be a part of it, anyhow! Over the years I have collected many of your bookmarks and notebooks but, my first remains my favourite, the heart shaped one with "love"engraved on it! I love it!! And now one of your bookmarks are also hung on my grandparents’ car’s rear view mirror! That is how much they loved it, when I gifted them one recently!
About the idea! I feel proud to be a part of this brain child of yours, especially because now i saw how so many of us have come together from all over the world for it! How I wish, hope and pray that one day we can all come together the same way to do something for our environment! Maybe when you launch your work on the world environment day, it will inspire all of us to do something to save the degrading environment! As the classic philosophers had said, art is a mere imitation of life! The special bond that we have all formed with this initiative of yours, will now be represented by your work on 5th! The imitation will become an inspiration! Wish you all the best!
Gagan Singhal
Great idea ! And I have a lot of appreciation for innovative thinking so always happy to support ideas behind such thinking !!
Part 3 – The Process
When I initially thought of this project, I could only think of pencils and journals in a box. Today when its nearing completion, its blossomed into a huge range of products with help and inputs from a young team of 
designers.
From the mundane black and white of newsprint to vibrant colors, this theme has metamorphosed into something truly beautiful that espouses world environment day with clever use of recycled material like handmade paper, recycled wood and recycled metal.
Personally for me it is also about creativity, to be able to design beautiful products with something as ordinary as a newspaper, I have consciously worked with recycled material from the past 15 years therefore it was never a challenge to be able to use them, my challenge was to do something creative, something interesting and something that people would cherish for 
times to come. I was blessed with the idea and good fortune to have seen this through.
The recycled wood has been sourced from scrap dealers and reused to make our products. The metal used is made from scrap. The papers are 100% wood-free and recycled from cotton rags.
I present to you the 5th of June project; a clever play and delicate balance between creativity and environmentally responsible and sustainable materials. Along with the over bearing factor of world environment day I have tried my best to bring in innovation and creativity while keeping the responsible message to reduce, recycle and reuse.
Thank you for taking the time to read.